How to Introduce Quaker Parrots

by Ledan Seja, Demand Media

A bonded pair will be close to each other almost all the time.

Quakers are known as loving, intelligent and playful birds who sometimes cross the line into downright mischievous. Humans love their Quakers because of these traits and also for their ability to talk. They can also be very territorial about their cages, so take introductions slow and seriously.

Step 1

Quarantine your new Quaker before placing him in the same room as your current bird. The quarantine process is generally about one month, sometimes a little less. During this process, keep the birds in separate rooms and have both checked out by a veterinarian to make sure they have a clean bill of health. Birds can transmit a number of diseases to each other, so the quarantine period helps protect both birds.

Step 2

Bring your new Quaker's cage into the same room as your current Quaker. Keep the cages fairly far apart, but close enough that they can see each other and communicate. Leave the cages like this for several days or a week.

Step 3

Move the cages closer together once they are interacting and communicating, but not so close that the birds can get at each other through the bars in any fashion. Again, give this cage arrangement several days to a week to let them examine each other and decide if they're going to be friends. Bonded Quakers will begin to do things together, even in their separate cage. They may eat, drink or play at the same time and in the same manner. If you notice this, these guys are on the right track.

Step 4

Allow some supervised playtime in a secure room. While they are out, watch to ensure they don't try to enter each others' cages. They are notoriously territorial over their homes and could injure or kill the other.

Step 5

Allow a couple minutes of supervised playtime for a couple days and see how they interact together. At first you may notice signs of dominance or even play, but be wary of any signs of aggression from one or both birds. As parrots, they have dangerous beaks and their claws can also inflict injury.

Step 6

Allow them into one cage if they are both up to it, but let them do it on their time and only after they interact well together outside of a cage.

Tip

The cage for both of them should be large enough for each bird to fly, play, eat and climb without bumping into the other.

References

About the Author

With a strong background in pets, gardening, landscapes, pests and natural ecosystems, Ledan Seja has been sharing her knowledge through writing since 2009 and has served as an expert writer in these fields. Real estate -- primarily commercial spaces and neighborhood trends -- has also been a main focus in her writing with her work appearing on 42Floors.com and more.